Lescott Questions Arsenal's £64m Gyokeres Gamble Amid Striker Struggles
Former Premier League defender Joleon Lescott has openly criticised Arsenal's decision to invest heavily in striker Viktor Gyokeres, suggesting the club missed out on superior alternatives like Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike. This scrutiny comes as Gyokeres, signed for £64 million from Sporting Lisbon last summer, has failed to replicate his prolific form in Portugal, managing only eight goals in 25 Premier League appearances.
Gyokeres Fails to Fire as Arsenal's Top Target
Arsenal identified a new number nine as their primary transfer priority ahead of the 2025 summer window, with Gyokeres emerging as the leading candidate over other prospects such as Benjamin Sesko, who subsequently joined Manchester United. Despite a stellar record in Portugal where he was a deadly finisher, the 27-year-old Swedish international has struggled to adapt to the rigours of English football. His recent performance in a 2-2 draw against Wolves, where he failed to score, has further intensified the debate over his signing.
Lescott expressed his bewilderment on Sky Bet, stating, "I thought Viktor Gyokeres was brought in to start for Arsenal. You're not spending that amount of money, having identified that position, for him not to play. Surely, he's been brought in to play in all the big games." He added that it was now easy to question why Arsenal did not pursue other strikers like Ekitike or Pedro, who have shown more promise this season.
Pedro and Ekitike Outshine Gyokeres in Premier League
Joao Pedro, who moved to Chelsea for £60 million, has already netted 10 goals and provided four assists in the league, outperforming Gyokeres despite a slightly lower transfer fee. Similarly, Hugo Ekitike, who joined Liverpool for £79 million, has also scored 10 goals, even as his team faces challenges in the league standings. Both players have demonstrated greater effectiveness and impact in their respective sides, raising questions about Arsenal's scouting and decision-making process.
Lescott emphasised, "They brought in Gyokeres because they thought he was the best of the available strikers. It's easy to say now that Arsenal should have gone for Hugo Ekitike. Joao Pedro is another striker I don't know why Arsenal didn't buy." This sentiment is echoed by other pundits, including Dietmar Hamann, who previously doubted Gyokeres' ability to compete against top-tier defenders in Europe and the Premier League.
Broader Implications for Arsenal's Title Ambitions
Gyokeres' underwhelming start has not gone unnoticed, with critics pointing to it as a potential weak link in Arsenal's title bid. While the club remains in contention, the striker's lack of goals and influence in key matches has sparked concerns about whether this signing could ultimately hinder their chances. The scrutiny extends beyond mere statistics, focusing on his overall contribution and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
As the season progresses, Arsenal's management may face increasing pressure to justify their investment in Gyokeres. The comparisons with Pedro and Ekitike serve as a stark reminder of what might have been, highlighting the risks involved in big-money transfers and the importance of thorough evaluation in the competitive Premier League market.
